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Also called: aniseed
Native to the eastern Mediterranean, anise has been successfully
cultivated from southern Russia to India and South America.
The mother plant, a member of the parsley and carrot family,
grows about 2 feet high and produces the tiny, oval anise
seeds from its flower heads.
Anise seeds have a delicate, sweet licorice flavor similar
to fennel.
In addition to is common use in rye bread, anise is a component
of many candies and popular liqueurs (Pernot, anisette, ouzo,
etc.), both of which are popular after-dinner treats because
of anise's breath-freshening qualities. Many Indian restaurants
serve candied anise seeds after dinner to combat the strong
breath patrons get from curries and other Indian specialties.
It's also said to cure hiccups.
Because of its widespread cultivation, you'll find anise
in the sweet and savory dishes of a variety of cuisines.
Anise is available both whole and ground. For best flavor,
buy whole seeds in small batches and use quickly. Anise is
a soft seed and is easily ground.
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